New protocol for safety in the workplace

On 24 April 2020, the “Shared Protocol to regulate measures to counter and contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the workplace”, signed on 14 March 2020 , was amended.  The purpose of the document is to ensure the continuation of production activities by protecting workers with adequate protective measures. If the Protocol is not respected there is a risk that the productive activity will be suspended until safety conditions are restored.

The main measures adopted by the Protocol are the following:

Obligation to provide information
The company, through the most appropriate means, must inform all workers and anyone entering the company about the safety provisions adopted by the Government.
Special information documents must be delivered or posted at the entrance and in the most visible places in the company premises.

Access modalities of employees
Personnel may be subjected to body temperature control before entering the workplace. If the body temperature exceeds 37.5°, access to the workplace will not be permitted.

The access modalities of external suppliers
The access, transit and exit of external suppliers shall take place with predefined methods, routes and timing in order to reduce the opportunities for contact with staff.

Cleaning and sanitization in the company
The company must ensure the daily cleaning and periodic sanitization of premises, environments, workstations and common areas.

Personal hygiene precautions
It is mandatory to take all recommended hygiene precautions, in particular, wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Personal protective equipment
The adoption of the hygiene measures and personal protective equipment indicated in the Protocol (such as masks and gloves) is essential.

The use and management of common areas
Access to the common areas – including company canteens, smoking areas and changing rooms – is restricted and for a limited time, with a safety distance of 1 metre between people.

Company organization (management of work shifts, travel and smart working, re-plan of production levels)
According to the Prime Ministerial Decree of 11 March 2020, point 7, limited to the period of the Covid-19 emergency, companies will be able to re-plan production levels.
In addition, it will be possible to ensure a scheduling of employee shifts in order to reduce contacts as much as possible and to create autonomous, distinct and recognisable groups.
Smart working must be used for all those activities that can be carried out at home or remotely.
National and international travel/work trips are suspended and cancelled, even if already agreed or organised.

Employee entry and exit management
It is preferable to provide for different times of entry/exit of employees i in order to avoid as much as possible contacts in common areas (entrances, changing rooms, canteen).

Internal transfers, meetings, internal events and training
Movement within the company site must be limited to the minimum necessary and meetings with several people are not permitted.

Management of a symptomatic person in the company
If a worker has a fever and symptoms of respiratory infection such as coughing, he or she must immediately notify the personnel office, which must proceed with his or her isolation.

More details in the attached circular.